I’ve found many ways of the years to continue my education – formal and informal. From time to time I feel my self stagnate a little and a change of approach can reinvigorate the process.

For the last few months, podcasts have been the answer. I’m fortunate enough not to have a very long commute typically. I still get 20 minutes each way listening to some amazing podcasts, and longer when I have the opportunity.

Here are three of my favourites:

• Sam Harris “The Waking Up Podcast”

Sam covers a range of technological, philosophical, neuroscience, political and AI related topics. Generally a super calm, balanced host, he does have occasion to show emotion from time to time, most notably in relation to Scott Adams, the Dilbert creator.

• TED Radio Hour

This one is TED, but better.  More curated, more condensed but also supplemented with additional discussions with the speakers, and in a beautiful audio-only format. It turns out that visuals of earnest speaking individuals swaying across the floor doesn’t add as much as you might think to the content.

Best of all, listen to all the podcasts, don’t be tempted to select only the topics you find interesting. Allow yourself to explore unexpected new areas.

• Planet Money

Including this is a bit cheeky since I’ve only listened to two episodes. Most recently, on flood insurance (in the wake of Hurricane Harvey at al in the US). This will likely inspire a separate blogpost soon.

I’d like to say that I’ll add to this list over time, but time constraints mean I barely keep up with just these.  I may look to change them up over time, but for now I’m really enjoying the boundary stretching intellectual stimulation of this selection.